Pastoral Care – Student Wellbeing is Paramount
Exceptional pastoral care is the foundation of our school and, whether boarding or day, all children at Clayesmore benefit from our friendly, caring and positive atmosphere, allowing them to thrive.
We are a small enough school that everyone is known and treated as an individual and the supportive environment in our houses helps to create a strong community spirit. Houseparents, their assistants and matrons know their charges very well indeed and they work together to support students through the challenges of day to day life, helping them develop their own strategies to negotiate the sometimes turbulent teenage years.
All houses include students who are both day and boarding, creating a cohesive community for all, with day students regularly staying later into the evening for concerts or sporting activities. Each house will organise “family groups” to encourage friendships across the ages and older students are mentors for new students.
Our Health and Wellbeing Centre, with a team of trained nurses and matrons, our counsellor and trained ELSA are also central parts of our pastoral team, providing physical and emotional support to all who need it. Additionally, our team of trained Sixth Form student listeners have an important role in pupil wellbeing, providing friendly support to the younger years, whilst also gaining important leadership skills. This care is complemented by academic tutors, TLC staff, sports coaches and music teachers.
Student voice is important to us and the various forums that allow them to express their views (for example, house and school councils and student committees) help to inform our pastoral care.
Regular communication between pastoral staff ensures that student wellbeing remains a top priority.
Mr Sam Palacios
Deputy Head, Pastoral
